The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Shopping will be more challenging this year because everything costs more! Yes, you can get things cheaper at Walmart or by ordering gifts online, but buying local will help the entire community this Christmas.

Local storefronts have a lot to offer. Elevating Grains has excellent food and desserts and will do special orders. Both beauty shops, Hair I Am and Blushing Willow Salon, have items for sale. Plus, women love to go to the beauty shops, so that gift certificates would be awesome. Peps, The Mint, and the Club also offer nights out for you to give as a Christmas gift. charbaby clay is one of the newest businesses downtown, and Charlotte Danreuther continues to create her merchandise. Handmade pottery is a huge hit at Christmas. I just bought a nice warm blanket at The Grocery Store. I saw lots of other great ideas there! Big Sandy Pharmacy downtown and the Prairie Blossoms Floral have gift ideas. Prairie Blossoms Floral has Christmas centerpieces as well. She can make exactly what you want if you give her a little time to order what you want; otherwise, she’s made beautiful arrangements for me. The other main business in town is Big Sandy Organics, which has made Christmas baskets for me as well.

Several personal businesses are located in Big Sandy, and they could use our patronage. What helps them helps all of us. Many businesses will be at the Christmas Stroll, but others will not.

Mimi’s Mustard and Dips is made here in Big Sandy and is on sale at The Grocery Store.

Monika Winderl is our local Pamper Chef, so if you are interested in kitchen supplies, you can contact her at mwinderlartrocks@gmail.com. Her phone number is 406-217-7997.

Sarah Drga makes hand lotion with goat’s milk and will be at the Christmas stroll with craft items as well.

Sarah Sura makes high-end hats and furniture. I would love to own one of her custom-made hats.

LeaAnn Williams’s business is called The Ladybug Shop. She makes all her soaps and personal care products.

Zyia Clothing, owned by Karli Victor Phillips, is a casual and exercise clothing line. I’ve received gift certificates from her.

Sam Potter’s business line is Montana Mommy Made Freeze Dried candy. Huge hit for the entire family

Cassie Bahnmiller Krispies come in Snickers, Cookies & Cream, PB Cup Chocolate Mint, Turtle, and Samoa (Coconut, Carmel & Chocolate) varieties. They are famous!

Karma Hale makes incredible hand-dipped Chocolate candy.

Glenn Braun makes magic with rocks! I love his art and jewelry!

Donita Darlington, Marlene Terry, Reggie Jappe, and the Methodist Church women have handmade sewn items.

There will be lots of gift items on sale at the Christmas Strole. The following will also have tables: Petra Yirsa, 4-H table, Amber Ophus, Katie Hanson, Jennifer Sickafoose, Kaylin Wyene, Megan Brown, Tina Rodewald, Sheri Moore, Sarah Shaw, and Lindsay Boyce.